Last week I attended a book signing for “Eat Your Feelings” Recipes for Self-Loathing by Heather Whaley at Powerhouse Arena in DUMBO.  Whaley did a reading and discussion with John DeLucie, Executive Chef of the Waverly Inn, and the two told great stories about their favorite comfort foods.  DeLucie also shared some gossip, from the celebrity hot spot where he works, such as Jay Z being a great tipper, and that his staff really likes Mariah Carey, but is not too fond of Madonna.

During the event there was a contest featuring three of the recipes in Whaley’s book:  Hamburger Casserole for When Nobody Loves You and Never Will, Foreclosure Fiesta (aka Guacamole recipe) and Drunk and Disorderly Donut Pudding.  Guests who participated put a personal twist on her recipes and the winner received a reservation for two at the Waverly Inn—had I known how amazing the prize would be I totally would have participated!

The recipes in the book are tongue-in-cheek and in addition to the ingredients, they include “real life” ingredients.

It got me thinking of what my favorite comfort foods are and what my recipes for “self-loathing” would be.  The first one that came to mind is my delicious and couldn’t-be-easier-to-prepare Hash Brown Casserole. This recipe first became a hit while I was in college and went back home for Thanksgiving.  My friends from high school had a tradition where we got together for a potluck the day after Thanksgiving and the casserole was the only dish served where every last crumb was gone.   Check out my recipe served Whaley’s way below:

Thanksgiving Hash Brown Casserole for Potluck with friends when they have nothing to bring to the table:

·      1 package Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns

·      1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Fat free Campbell’s cream of chicken soup

·      2 cups (8 ounces) Kraft Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

·      3/4 cup Fat free sour cream

·      3 old friends who are now acquaintances

·      1/4 cup chopped onion

·      A handful of questions to keep in your back pocket for small talk

·      Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

·      1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted-divided

·      1 1/2 cups corn flakes, coarsely crushed

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 2 quart glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray*. In large bowl combine all hash brown ingredients; mix well. Spread into prepared baking dish.

2. In small bowl stir together topping ingredients. Spread topping evenly over Hash Browns. Bake 45 minutes or until hash browns are tender.

3.  Pull out the basic 5 questions (How are you?, What have you been up to?, Are you seeing any one?, How’s work?, How is your family?) out of your back pocket if you encounter awkward silence with someone who used to be your “best friend” but now you can’t relate to.

* An 11x7-inch rectangular or 8-inch square-baking dish can be used.

For years this was my signature dish, and then in 2005 I decided to spend Thanksgiving in NYC—everyone was crushed.  Not because I wasn’t attending and they wouldn’t see me, but because there wouldn’t be any Hash Brown Casserole.  A friend asked for recipe and tried to replicate, but sadly it wasn’t the same and that was the last potluck.  I’d like to think it was my absence and the imposter casserole that ended the almost ten year tradition.  In any case, every time I make this I can’t help but think of good times with old friends.   

Annette

Check out Heather’s blog and some of her recipes: http://eatyourfeelingsrecipesforselfloathing.blogspot.com/